Rock Your Rebellion - Flora and Fauna Styled Shoot at Lake Louisa

January 25, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Recently I took a minute to step away from work and take some photos just for me, just for fun. Sometimes photographers can get stuck in a routine doing the same types of photos over and over, so it is nice to step out of the daily business and back into the creative mind space. Taking the time to put together your own styled shoot can be overwhelming: Finding the model, finding the outfit, finding the accessories - or making them, finding a hair and makeup artist... all these things take time to plan and orchestrate.

Thanks to Becca from Rock Your Rebellion Photography, all I had to do was bring my camera and show up. If you don't already know Becca's work, she is an artist who specializes in alternative weddings and portraiture. Not only does she run her own successful photography business, but she also educates other photographers, and hosts these AWESOME Alternative Styled Shoots!

The theme of this alternative styled session was "Flora and Fauna". The headpieces were all hand-made by Becca. Her styling was then matched with hair and makeup by Bella Balanced Beauty and Wellness. Jewelry was also hand-made by Danielle at Pandski Labs.

We were joined by several other photographers ranging from just starting out to several years in business. It was great to talk shop with like-minded women while sharing tips and tricks about how we balance our work and home lives. Running and business, while continuing our education, and trying to keep our creative minds alive all while having families or even other jobs! This was a safe space where we could share ideas and create new friendships.

As the sun started to dip below the treeline at Lake Louisa, our models Kat and Tabetha braved 58-degree weather (ya'll that is cold for Florida). We planned for them to take breaks to warm up, but they just powered through pose after pose, nailing every one of them. We started off with Flora, then while she took a break we photographed Fauna, and then put both women together for a combined photo. Every shot was perfect. I ended up taking over 700 images and trying to choose the best was a difficult decision!

For myself, I was trying out a different sort of lighting. Generally, when I'm outdoors I shoot natural light, but recently I've been bringing more strobes on location when allowed (some parks do not allow you to bring light stands etc). I was playing around with high-speed sync, which I had never done before (my photographer friends will understand this, and I'm ashamed it's taken me this long to learn it). This is just another reason why styled shoots are so great, it gave me time and space to try something new and not be afraid of "messing it up". Guess what? I didn't mess it up!

Okay, enough about me - although is this blog over 1,000 words for better SEO? hahaha... on to the photos!

"Rock Your Rebellion", Flora, Fauna, "Koontz Photography", "Styled shoot", "Alternative styled shoot", "Stylized session", "swamp witch", goth, "mother nature"

Some behind the scenes!

"Rock Your Rebellion", Flora, Fauna, "Koontz Photography", "Styled shoot", "Alternative styled shoot", "Stylized session", "swamp witch", goth, "mother nature"